My husband and I have been married for six years and have three sons. A few weeks ago he packed a suitcase and walked out.

When I asked him why, he said he could no longer take the stress and financial problems he had. This seemed ridiculous because although we have some accounts we are able to cover our debts.

He has no stress at home and in fact we have always had a sociable and happy life.

He came to see the children recently and took them out. He left his phone behind and I soon found out he is involved with another woman. I was so angry and I phoned her. I told her she was having an affair with my husband and we have three children. She said he had told her that he was unmarried. When I questioned my husband, he admitted that he is in love with her.

By the way, she is half his age! I am in a total state of shock. My children are missing their dad and cry all the time. I am exhausted from trying to comfort them, dealing with my own pain and trying to keep up with work. I haven't told anyone yet but people are starting to notice that I am depressed.

My life is a wreck.

Depressed, Mamelodi.

I am sorry that you are in such pain. The end of a marriage is never easy for the parents or children.

You need to take a long, hard look at your husband. He lied and deceived you. He treated you and your children cruelly and with no respect. You did nothing to make him behave this way, he chose to. This sort of treatment would leave anyone angry and depressed. Don't try to deal with this on your own.

Once you share this with family or a close friend it will ease the burden. Go to a doctor and ask for help. Your husband has to pay maintenance, so get legal advice as soon as you can. Don't talk badly about your husband to your children and encourage him to stay in contact with them.